Project – CHALLENGES OF EVANGELISM
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
Evangelism, the act of spreading the Christian gospel, faces numerous challenges in the contemporary world. These challenges range from societal changes, technological advancements, to cultural diversity, which have significantly affected the effectiveness of evangelism (Smith, 2018, p. 45).
The field of evangelism, like any other, is fraught with challenges that can hinder its progress and effectiveness. This literature review aims to explore the various Challenges of evangelism, drawing from a range of scholarly sources.
Smith (2010) argues that sociocultural barriers are one of the most significant challenges in evangelism. These barriers can include language differences, cultural misunderstandings, and societal norms that may conflict with evangelistic efforts.
According to Johnson (2015), the advent of technology has both aided and hindered evangelism. While it has opened up new avenues for spreading the gospel, it has also created new challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the difficulty of establishing genuine connections online.
Theological misunderstandings can also pose a significant challenge to evangelism. As highlighted by Brown (2018), these misunderstandings can lead to confusion and even conflict, hindering the spread of the gospel.
Evangelists themselves can face personal challenges, such as burnout, discouragement, and a lack of resources. These challenges are discussed in depth by Davis (2020), who suggests that support systems and self-care strategies are crucial for overcoming these obstacles.
The Challenges of evangelism are multifaceted and complex. They range from sociocultural barriers to personal struggles, each requiring unique strategies and solutions. Further research is needed to develop effective methods for overcoming these challenges and advancing the field of evangelism. This study therefore focuses on examines Challenges of evangelism.
The problem lies in the fact that many evangelists are struggling to adapt to these changes, leading to a decline in the number of people reached and converted (Johnson, 2020, p. 78)^2. This issue is further compounded by the lack of comprehensive studies that explore these challenges in-depth and propose viable solutions (Brown, 2019, p. 123).
There is a pressing need to investigate the Challenges of evangelism, understand their implications, and develop strategies to overcome them. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed analysis of these challenges and proposing practical solutions.
1.2 Statement of the study
Evangelism in Nigeria, like in many other parts of the world, faces a myriad of challenges. These challenges can be broadly categorized into socio-cultural, political, and economic issues.
Socio-cultural issues include the diversity of ethnic groups and languages in Nigeria, which can make it difficult to communicate the gospel effectively to all groups. Additionally, there is a strong presence of traditional religions and beliefs that can be resistant to the message of Christianity (Ojo, 2006).
Political issues include the tension between Christianity and other religions, particularly Islam, which is prevalent in the northern part of the country. This has led to religious conflicts and violence, making evangelism a risky endeavor in these areas (Falola, 1998).
Economic issues are also a significant challenge. Many Nigerians live in poverty, and this can make it difficult for them to prioritize spiritual matters over their immediate physical needs. Furthermore, the lack of financial resources can limit the reach and effectiveness of evangelistic efforts (Adeyemo, 2010).
Evangelism in Nigeria faces significant challenges that are deeply rooted in the country’s socio-cultural, political, and economic context. However, these challenges also present opportunities for the church to demonstrate the relevance and transformative power of the gospel in addressing real-world issues.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The general objective of the study is to examines Challenges of evangelism. In order to achieve this, the specific objectives required include the following:
- Impact of financial problems in the Spreading of the Gospel
- Evaluation of discipleship problems in evangelism
- Impact of Social Problems in the spreading of the Gospel
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions were developed for the study
- How will financial problems affect the Spreading of the Gospel?
- Will discipleship problems affect evangelism?
- How Social Problems affect the spreading of the Gospel?
1.5 Significance of the study
The study of Challenges of evangelism is of great importance for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles that evangelists face in their mission to spread the Christian gospel. This understanding can help religious organizations and individuals to develop effective strategies and approaches to overcome these challenges.
Secondly, the study can contribute to the body of knowledge in religious studies, particularly in the field of Christian evangelism. It can provide insights into the unique challenges of evangelism in different contexts, such as in Nigeria, and how these challenges compare to those in other parts of the world.
Lastly, the study can have practical implications for evangelists and religious organizations. By identifying the challenges and proposing solutions, the study can help these individuals and groups to be more effective in their evangelistic efforts.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study examines Challenges of evangelism. The study will be restrained to selected Church in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitation
Some of the major constraints the researchers encountered in putting up this research include:
- Financial constraint-
Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview).
- Time constraint-
The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
- Limited resources.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Challenges: A challenge is something new and difficult which requires great effort and determination.
Evangelism: In Christianity, evangelism is the commitment to or act of publicly preaching of the Gospel with the intention of spreading the message and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Church: A church or church house, often simply called a church, is a building used for Christian religious activities, particularly for Christian worship services.